Leonard Weber

March 20, 2024

One of the highlights of nature observation in Eliza Howell Park each year is bird nesting season. There are some 30 species that regularly nest in the park, and in any one year, patient and frequent observation, guided by knowledge of species-specific nesting practices, can result in the opportunity to study many of them.

This year, in a program stretching from April 27 until early June, in weekly Saturday mornings in Eliza Howell Park, we will be providing a a 6-week course focused on getting to know more about the nesting behaviors of a variety of bird species. This time is the peak of nesting activity.

NOTE: All photos below were taken in Eliza Howell Park.

Some species nest in tree cavities, excavating new holes or using pre-existing ones.

Some species build nests on tree limbs.

Some species make nests on the ground.

Some species fit nests in among the branches of shrubs or small trees.

Some species weave hanging nests in trees.

Some species build nests on protected surfaces of human-made structures.

We will also be considering the usual dates of nest making for different species, the types of trees selected by tree-nesting birds, the roles of females and males in incubation and care of hatchlings, the identification of altricial and precocial species, etc.

In advance of each session, colleagues Mara Crawford and Kathleen Garrett will join me in mapping the route so that we can make best use of group time.

The field course is sponsored by Detroit Bird Alliance. For more details, please check Detroit Bird Alliance events.

I recently watched a pair of Mourning Doves making a nest in a,spruce tree. Nesting season is starting!